Tag: Department of Labor

DOL Issues AI guidance

On October 16, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in employment—Artificial Intelligence and Worker Well-Being: Principles and Best Practices for Developers and Employers. The guidance stems from President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14110 on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence issued […]

Excited About the Potential of AI? Don’t Forget Legal Compliance

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just creating buzz. It’s also sparking both fear and enthusiasm, with some employers worried about the downsides and others eager to dive in and capitalize on the potential. No matter how it’s viewed, though, employers must focus on how this brave new world intersects with legal compliance. Guidance from the DOL […]

Making DOL’s Overtime Rule Changes Make Cents

On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its highly anticipated final rule that will raise the standard minimum salary level needed for most white-collar exempt employees on July 1, 2024, and then increase it again beginning January 1, 2025. The final rule will also increase the total compensation minimum for highly […]

Employers Take Note—Child Labor Violations Continue to Be Major DOL Focus

Earlier this year the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released statistics on its child labor enforcement activity for 2023. Astonishingly, WHD found an 88% increase since 2019 in the unlawful employment of minors. As we head into the summer months when many employers hire minors, companies should be mindful of the Fair Labor […]

PUMP It Up! Breastfeeding Accommodations in the Workplace

The ability to pump breast milk in the workplace is protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). In 2010, the Break Time for Nursing Mother Act was passed as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and amended the FLSA to include break time and space requirements to pump breast milk at work. The […]

Managing the Challenges of Intermittent FMLA

In an earlier post, I reviewed the basics steps to take to avoid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) mishaps and best practices to follow when eligible employees request FMLA leave. But, matters involving FMLA leave can quickly become complicated, especially in regards to the implementation of intermittent FMLA leave. Managing intermittent FMLA leave creates […]

Guaranteed OT Pay: Employers Urged to be Ready as New Overtime Final Rule Approaches

Employer interests are sounding off against the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposal for a dramatic increase in the overtime threshold, but employers are still advised to take a close look at their exempt workforce to make sure their status is justified. The DOL released its long-awaited proposed rule on August 30. If finalized, the […]

Evolving HR: FMLA and the Modern Workplace

Employers with over 50 employees regularly address employees’ requests for leave under the FMLA. When the FMLA was originally enacted in 1993, the workplace looked a bit different than it does now. Most employees went to a main worksite and job applicants came to a location to apply for employment. In today’s work environment, many employees work […]

Wage and Hour Law: Designed for the 1920s, Applied in the 21st Century

The fundamental premise of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is that all employees are covered by its base requirements. This includes being paid minimum wage for every hour worked and time and one-half for all overtime. The FLSA is a statute of inclusion, which means all employees are covered unless they fit within specific, […]

New DOL Guidance Address Mental Health Leave Under FMLA

The past few years have heightened feelings of stress and isolation for many people, and with the seemingly continuous news cycle of incidents of mass violence, mental health has taken a much-needed place in the forefront of the national conversation. Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reminded employers that mental health affects both employees […]